Back in the World

Whew! Didn't think I'd be "gone" this long.... No, no sabbatical, no South Sea adventure, didn't join a convent or a cult - just joined the ranks of the unemployed. Still seems so weird to see that in print - - - and even weirder to say that it took me 13 months to find another job!!

It was, at odd moments fun, terrifying, endless, sad, very personal, and a miriad of other emotions that showed up, but, thanks to family and friends, I made it through with my sanity intact (well, as intact as it was before getting laid off). Thanks to my daughter and her family for always being there to listen, cheer me up, have fun with; to my sister in California for providing me with a willing ear to listen, and an awesome place to run away to (3 times yet!) when things got too heavy; to my ex-husband and current friend for being there with occasional work and full-time support, and a special thanks to my friends Diane and Steve who, when I was about to lose my home, stepped up and bought it, and then I didn't have to pack up 3 years' accumulation of junk and move!!!

This was truly a learning experience for me (one I wouldn't care to repeat, by the way) and I'm deeply grateful that it's over! I have started a new job - in a completely different field - with an amazing boss, lots of new things to learn, a free hand to set things up the way I want, and a great bunch of coworkers who always smile and say "how are you" or "hi" when they pass you in the hall. What more could I ask??